☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 82°F and a low of 67°F; 25% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Johnson City
Every August in Johnson City, ETSU move-in weekend, back-to-school traffic, and a 30% chance of afternoon thunderstorms all arrive at the exact same time — and somehow nobody is surprised.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Gray Fossil Site dates to which geological epoch?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Freedom Hall Pool Repairs Get the Green Light
The Johnson City Board of Education has unanimously approved the use of $864,000 in Peoples Education Plan (PEP) funds to repair the Freedom Hall Pool. The pool, built in 1974, has long served Science Hill High School student-athletes and youth swim teams. The PEP fund stems from a 1994 city referendum in which residents approved a dedicated fraction of the local sales and use tax for educational facilities.
Sponsored by
Frazier Plumbing
Got a leaky pipe, a water heater on its last legs, or a drain that’s given up? Frazier Plumbing has been solving plumbing problems for Tri-Cities homeowners since 1980 — family-owned, locally operated, and available 24/7 when things go wrong at the worst possible time. No runaround, no oversized crews. Just experienced local plumbers who show up and fix it right.
Senior Olympics Returning to Johnson City in September
The Senior Olympics are set to return to Johnson City this September, giving older athletes from the region a chance to compete. For more details on events, registration, and schedules, visit the source link below.
Washington County Mayor Candidates Weigh In on Flock Cameras
Candidates running for Washington County mayor recently shared their perspectives on the use of Flock surveillance cameras in the area. The debate over the cameras reflects broader questions about public safety and privacy that residents and local officials continue to weigh. See the full story for candidate positions.
State Law Brings Ten Commandments Debate to School Board
A new state law has prompted discussion at the Johnson City/Washington County school board level regarding the display of the Ten Commandments in schools. The debate reflects a broader statewide conversation about the intersection of law, religion, and public education. Read the full story for more details.
Read more at Johnson City Press
📅 Upcoming Events
Walnut Street Music Series
Free live music every Saturday from 7–9 PM at Johnson City Brewing Company – Walnut St (714 W Walnut St, Johnson City). Bring a chair, grab a brew, and enjoy the tunes. This recurring summer series runs through the season.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Now Now – Live at Down Home
Now Now performs live in Johnson City on August 9, 2026. For location, ticket, and show time details, visit the source link below.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Meet the Mountains Festival
Scheduled for August 14, 2026, at Watauga Brewing Company in Johnson City. This event supports the region’s outdoor recreation economy. Visit the link below for full details and times.
More info at Visit Johnson City
Repticon Johnson City
A reptile and exotic animal expo takes place August 15–16, 2026, at the Holiday Inn Johnson City. The show features live animals from around the world, with pets and pet products available for purchase directly from vendors.
More info at Visit Johnson City
The Oak Ridge Boys in Johnson City
The Oak Ridge Boys perform at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 7:30 PM.
The Farmer & The Chef
A culinary community event featuring regional chefs using locally grown food to support the mission of ending food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. Taking place Sunday, August 30, 2026 from 4:00–7:00 PM at Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City. For more information, contact Lee Walker at lwalker@netfoodbank.org or visit the link below.
📜 Today in Johnson City History
A century ago today in 1926, nine-year-old Roy Counts of East Unaka Avenue suffered a broken leg and broken nose when he darted from behind an ice wagon into the path of a passing car. The driver, Miss Helen Summers, stopped almost immediately and helped rush him to the hospital, where doctors expected him to recover without serious complications.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
The Early Pliocene, a period roughly 4.5 to 5 million years ago when the landscape of East Tennessee looked very different from today.